During your stay

Admission process

Upon arrival

  • Check-in location: Hospital reception at the Vale Street entrance.
  • Initial steps: A staff member will greet you and initiate the admission process, which includes completing necessary paperwork, signing health fund claim forms (for insured patients), and providing informed financial consent.

Payment

  • Out-of-pocket expenses: Any applicable fees are payable at this time.
  • Post-payment: You’ll return to the admissions lounge before being escorted to the surgical admissions waiting area.

Support person

  • Policy: One support person may accompany you prior to entering the operating theatre.

Paediatric admissions

Consent

  • Requirement: As the legal guardian, you must sign a consent form before your child’s procedure.

Pre- and post-surgery

  • Support: Parents are encouraged to stay with their child before surgery and during recovery.
  • Siblings: It’s advisable to arrange care for other children, as they may not be permitted in certain areas.

Overnight stays

  • Accommodation: Children staying overnight will be in private rooms on the surgical ward.
  • Parental stay: One parent or carer can stay overnight, with a recliner/bed provided in the same room.

Operating theatre journey

Pre-surgery

  • Nurse interview: You’ll discuss your basic health and change into theatre attire.
  • Holding bay: A nurse will confirm your details and run through a health checklist.

Anaesthesia

  • Introduction: An anaesthetic nurse and anaesthetist will meet you to discuss your health and procedure.
  • Procedures: Some, like epidurals, may be administered in the anaesthesia bay before entering the operating theatre.

Entering the theatre

  • Assistance: A theatre technician will escort you into the operating room and help transfer you to the operating table.

Waiting times

  • Factors influencing wait: Diabetes, age, medical conditions, and type of operation.
  • Amenities: A television is available in the waiting area; bringing a book or electronic device is recommended.

After your operation

Day surgery patients

  • Recovery: You’ll be monitored in the recovery area; duration depends on your procedure and recovery progress.
  • Discharge: Staff will inform you when you can go home and will contact your designated person 30 minutes prior to discharge.
  • Post-operative care: Information will be provided before you leave.
  • Transportation: Someone must accompany you home and stay with you overnight; driving or using public transport within 24 hours post-procedure is not permitted.

Overnight patients

  • Recovery: Post-procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery area, then to a private room with an en-suite.
  • Length of stay: Depends on the type of procedure you’ve had.

Managing your pain

Effective pain management is crucial for recovery. Benefits include:

  • Mobility: Reduces risk of pressure injuries and blood clots.
  • Breathing: Eases breathing, lowering the chance of chest infections.
  • Sleep: Promotes better rest.
  • Physiotherapy: Enables earlier commencement.

Learn more about managing your pain (PDF).

Working together to keep you safe

Infection control

  • Hospital measures: Clean environment, sterilised equipment, isolation protocols, hand hygiene, and protective equipment.
  • Your role: Practice hand hygiene, cover mouth/nose when coughing or sneezing, report recent infections, complete antibiotic courses, and follow wound care instructions.

Find out more about looking after your cannula.

Avoiding falls

  • Precautions: Use call bells, be cautious when moving, wear non-slip footwear, and bring necessary aids like walking sticks or glasses.

Learn more about how to avoid having a fall (PDF).

Fall prevention tips for new mothers and newborn babies (PDF).

Pressure injuries

  • Prevention: Change positions frequently and report any skin discomfort or changes to staff.

Blood clot prevention

  • Hospital measures: Risk assessments, compression stockings, and blood-thinning medications.
  • Your role: Stay mobile, take prescribed medications, stay hydrated, and avoid crossing legs.

Alert a nurse as soon as possible if you have:

  • sudden increased pain or swelling in your legs
  • pain in your lungs or chest, or
  • difficulty breathing.

If these symptoms occur after discharge, seek emergency medical treatment.

Learn more about how we reduce your risk of blood clots (PDF)

Learn more about anti-embolism (pressure) stockings (PDF)

Learn more about foot compression system (PDF)

Delirium and blood transfusions

Services for patients

We offer a number of services to help make your patient experience as comfortable as possible.

Patient rooms

  • Features: Private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bedside radio, telephone, remote-control TV, and in-house video channel.

Free WiFi

  • Access: Available for all patients and visitors; ask staff for the password upon arrival.

Dining

  • Meals: Prepared fresh daily, tailored to individual dietary needs.
  • Special requirements: Inform staff during admission.

Café

  • Location: Ground floor, behind hospital reception.
  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-2pm.
  • Offerings: Freshly prepared hot meals, snacks, salads, wraps, sandwiches, and beverages.

Courtyard

  • Features: Outdoor space with a water feature, tables, chairs, and umbrellas for shade.

Allied health professionals

  • Services: Physiotherapy, social work, dietetics, and diabetes support.

Volunteer services

  • Assistance: Escorting patients, helping visitors navigate the hospital, and providing company to patients.

Patient transport service

  • Availability: Free service for patients without transport to and from the hospital.
  • Booking: Call 03 5970 5329 or email membership@thebays.com.au.